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U.S. Air Force and Navy SOF train for Joint Readiness in South Korea

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The skies over the Korean Peninsula recently saw the arrival of a familiar sight for U.S. ground forces: the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. Assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing, this formidable aircraft arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Jun. 12th, to support an ongoing joint, combined exchange training (JCET) with US Naval Special Warfare Command personnel.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron from Hulburt Field, Fla. taxis at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK) June 12, 2024. The Ghostrider and its crews are participating in a regularly scheduled joint, combined exchange and training (JCET) event designed to positively affect the combat readiness of special operations forces (SOF) personnel in support of the mutual defense of the U.S. and ROK homelands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)

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KF-21 program faces uncertainty as South Korea’s DAPA reconsiders cooperation with Indonesia

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The future of the KF-21 Boramae, a next-generation fighter jet under development by South Korea and Indonesia, hangs in the balance. Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has cast doubt on continued cooperation with Indonesia due to allegations of technology theft and financial difficulties.

Third and fourth prototypes of the KF-21 in flight
Defense Acquisition Program Administration's public work is used according to Korea Open Government License (KOGL) (KOGL Type 1 or KOGL Type 1), via Wikimedia Commons
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350th EARS completes final KC-135 deployment

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The 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS), also known as the “Red Falcons,” marked a turning point in their illustrious history with the completion of their final scheduled deployment flying the KC-135 Stratotanker. This deployment signifies the end of an era for the squadron as they prepare to transition to a new generation of aerial refueling with the KC-46 Pegasus.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron taxis at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 15, 2024. The 350th EARS is deployed within the CENTCOM area of responsibility to help defend U.S. and coalition interests, promote regional security, and deter potential adversaries in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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NATO Pilots test mettle in high-G dogfights at Ramstein 1v1

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The skies over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, were abuzz with activity recently as NATO pilots participated in Ramstein 1v1, a unique exercise focused on honing basic fighter maneuvers (BFM). This first-of-its-kind event, hosted by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), saw 37 aircraft from nine NATO countries engage in simulated dogfights, pushing themselves and their machines to the limit.

An acoustic piano burns as part of a closing ceremony, signaling the end of a simulated aerial combat exercise June 6, 2024, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The piano burning is rooted in a tradition from World War II in which a piano was burnt in memory of fighter pilots who were killed in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christian Conrad)

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